Stacey Abrams Won’t Run For Georgia Senate Seat

Former Georgia Democratic state legislative leader Stacey Abrams said she will not challenge Georgia Republican Sen. David Perdue next year, dealing a significant blow to Democrats who hoped to make inroads in a state Republicans have controlled for nearly two decades.

In a video posted to Twitter, Abrams said she didn’t believe serving in the Senate would be the best use of her desire to serve the public.

I am grateful for all the encouragement I received to run for U.S. Senate, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help elect a Democrat to that seat next year. #gapolpic.twitter.com/5o14BqgqwO

According to several reports, Abrams met with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Monday to tell him of her decision.

Abrams, who lost a hotly contested gubernatorial race in November, has been considering a possible presidential campaign but did not say what she will do next. She has said previously that she believes she has until the fall to mount a last-minute presidential bid.

“I still don’t know exactly what’s next for me,” Abrams said. “Over the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more from me and my team about groundbreaking initiatives to protect the right to vote and to increase the participations of Americans in setting the course for Georgia and the future of our country.”